Guns in Vehicles in Kentucky

Last updated September 11, 2018.

Kentucky allows any person not prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a vehicle in any closed container, compartment, or storage space installed as original equipment in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer, including but not limited to a glove compartment, center console, or seat pocket, regardless of whether the enclosed container, storage space, or compartment is locked, unlocked or does not have a locking mechanism.1

No person or organization, public or private, may prohibit another person from keeping a loaded or unloaded firearm or ammunition, or both, in a vehicle.2

Kentucky forbids any owner, lessee or occupant of real property, including an employer, from prohibiting the legal possession of a firearm, ammunition, or an ammunition component in a vehicle on the property.3 Kentucky law provides that the firearm may be removed from the vehicle or handled in the case of self-defense, defense of another, defense of property, or as authorized by the owner, lessee or occupant of the property. An employer that fires, disciplines, demotes or otherwise punishes an employee who is lawfully exercising one of these rights is liable in a civil action for damages and an injunction.4